Carrying Capacity Formulas
Effective Land = Total Area * (Arable% / 100) * (1 - Fallow% / 100)
Annual Production = Effective Ha * Yield (kg/ha)
Total Calories = Production * Cal/kg
Max Pop = Total Calories / (Daily Need * 365)
Carrying capacity represents the maximum population a given area can sustain under a specific subsistence system. Hunter-gatherers typically support 0.01-1 person/sq km, while intensive agriculture supports 50-200+ persons/sq km. Fallow periods, seed reserves, and loss factors reduce effective production. The sustainable population (80% of max) provides a buffer for poor harvests.